One project I’ve been thinking about for a while was replacing our plantation-style shutters in the living room with curtains.
The shutters came with the house when we bought it ten years ago.
Living Room as of September
At first, I liked them, but, when the dining room shutters broke and we replaced them with curtains, I saw how much light came in the windows when the shutters weren’t blocking them.
So, I decided it was time to remove the shutters in the living room, too. I bought these curtains at Ikea, because I didn’t want a pattern or anything bold – just something simple.
I bought a plain curtain rod at Ikea as well.
First step: I removed the shutters. This wasn’t hard; it just involved removing all the screws from the shutters and the frames.
You can see the first panel is off the far window already. Then I remembered to take a “before” pic. Whew.
My daughter went behind me and cleaned the windows. She asked to do this – no violation of child labor laws here.
I couldn’t believe how much light was streaming in! (Cue angels singing!)
Next, it was time to hang the curtains. I have no idea why, but curtain rod installation stumps me every. single. time. I can unclog a toilet, I can use power tools, but I have the hardest time hanging curtain rods. Grrr.
Anyway, once the rod was installed (into studs – if you do this, make sure you are installing into a stud or use wall anchors, m’kay?), I put the curtains on and stood back to admire the sunlight and my work.
You can see Bear likes the light, too. Actually, since I put the curtains up, she’s usually right at the window. Looking out the window is like Doggie TV.
You can also see we haven’t really cleaned up the toys from Christmas morning yet. Oh well.
I love the sunlight and I love the lightness of the curtains, versus the heavy, almost bars-on-the-window-looking shutters. I’m going to put the same curtains on the two windows on the wall opposite this window, too.
Let there be light!
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
OK I am SUPER ENVIOUS 1- of all the greenery outside that window 2 – that you have shutters to play with 3-that you have white curtains… from Ikea… sigh I’m going back to bed now!
Great job Karen!
Thanks, Anne! We had/have shutters a go-go in this house. The ones in the dining room were broken when we moved in; these were in better shape. Still, I love the airiness of the curtains. Oooh, and I love Ikea!
I was planning on buying some shutters just like this, but when I saw the difference with the curtains I was amazed. This is such a splendid idea, I love it. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks, Pam! It’s amazing how much more light we have. I don’t think we’ve turned on the overhead lights during the day yet!
The curtains do soften up the space, what a lovely window too – love the cabinets on either side!
Thanks, Heather! I love this window and our view, so I’m glad it’s not blocked by the shutters anymore.
Normally I’m a big fan of plantation shutters, but I love the curtains! And having more light is always a plus.
Thanks, Sharon! I agree – I really debated taking them down, but as soon as I saw how much light came in, I had to do it. The room looks twice as big, too.
I love how much more light is coming in! We had plantation style shutters in our old house and, while I liked them, you are absolutely right. It was very hard to get light in that room even with them opened! Looks fantastic! Happy New Year, Karen!
Thank you, Claire! I love them. Happy New Year to you, too! All the best!
We are in the process of lining up plantation shutter quotes. I was hoping to get something that rolls in front of the window for privacy (more like a bypass closet door system), but rolls completely off the window to allow in maximum light during the day. It will require a long valance to hide the roller track, and it may not be feasible, but your post confirms I will need to think outside the box (it is an ocean view). Thanks!
I guess I am not looking for “true” plantation shutters, but more of a plantation shutter look.
Wow – an ocean view – how gorgeous! I like the idea of having shutters that roll completely away from the window, to let in the maximum amount of light and to see that view. That could definitely work, but I agree that I’d keep as much of the window open as possible when you don’t need the shutters (or curtains or whatever) closed for privacy. Keep me posted – I’d love to see what you decide to do!
WOW! What a difference! I totally agree. The cool thing is, you can switch them back if you change your mind! We have plantation shutters in our bedroom. I love them, but hate the dust. They were way too expensive too. You made the right move girl! That window is gorgeous with out them!!! Bear looks just like Dude 🙁 Such a cutie.
Awww, Dude! What a sweetie. Thank you! Yes – I kept all the frames, trim, and shutters, so I can put them back if we want. But you are right – I don’t miss the dust and I love the light. xoxo
Beautiful, love the light!
Thanks, Debbie!
Hi Karen,
Where did you buy the dining set table & chairs? My cousin is looking for something similar to yours.
Hi Melinda, I bought the table at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore – it’s Pennsylvania House and I got it for a song! The chairs are from Pier 1 from a million years ago. I recovered them in gray fabric. The end chairs are from HomeGoods. Here’s a link to the post about our dining room, and it links to how I recovered the chairs and what they looked like before. https://www.dogsdonteatpizza.com/farmhouse-rustic-industrial-dining-room/
Thank you!